University launches Pride In Action campaign

Texas State University officially launched the public phase of its $110 million Pride in Action comprehensive campaign with a celebration Friday evening at the university’s Strahan Coliseum.

“This is an exciting time for all of us,” said University President Denise Trauth to an audience of donors and friends of the university. “Our Pride in Action campaign is ambitious, we know that. But we believe in our cause, and we believe in you who support us.”

Donors to the Pride in Action campaign may contribute to support five campaign pillars: Academic Excellence, Performing Arts, Athletics, Alumni and the Library. Texas State began the “silent phase” of the campaign in 2006.

“Many of our donors stepped forward in the silent phase. During the last five years, Texas State University has made amazing advances, and donors helped to make that happen,” she said.

Trauth said the campaign was showing signs of remarkable success. She said that charitable support for America’s colleges and universities has fallen by 8 percent in the past five years, but that during that same time, Texas State has doubled the university endowment, tripled its research expenditures and raised more than $20 million for scholarships.

“We did this in only five years, and in a challenging economic climate. In fact, during the last 12 months, we have raised more than $15 million. Our success is due to the fact that many people have already stepped up. They have supported one or more of the pillars, but they also realize we have one goal: To make Texas State a better place for our students,” she said.

During the campaign kickoff, Trauth announced more than $7.6 million in new gifts to Texas State, including:

$2 million from Patti Harrison of Wimberley for scholarships.

$2 million from Gloria and Bruce Ingram for scholarships.

$1.5 million from the estate of James and B. Raye Gowens for the McCoy College of Business Administration, Athletics and the university’s greatest needs.

$1.2 million from Jerry and Linda Gregg Fields of Houston for Strutters, Athletics, the McCoy College of Business Administration and scholarships.

$300,000 from Jeff and Gail Kodosky and the Kodosky Foundation of Austin for Mathworks.

$250,000 from Gregory Kozmetsky and the RGK Foundation for Mathworks..

$127,500 from the estate of Elsie Lieskovsky for education scholarships.

$100,000 from Terry and Vernetta Westbrook of Round Rock for the St. David’s School of Nursing.

$100,000 from Walter Umphrey of Beaumont for the River Systems Institute.

“Of course, we still have work to do,” said Trauth. “We absolutely need the help of every one of you in this room, and we know we can count on you. The Pride in Action Campaign is for our students. It’s as simple as that.”

During the event, Trauth recognized those who have contributed at least $1 million to Texas State. Those 26 donors are recognized as Heroes of Texas State and had banners in their honor hanging in the coliseum.

She also announced a new giving society – Pillars of Texas State – for those who have contributed more than $100,000 to the university. Two hundred ten members of the society were honored.

For more information on the Pride in Action campaign, call the Texas State Office of University Advancement at (512) 245-2396.